Hey Neighbor!
This week, an unthinkable tragedy occurred in our very own backyard. It’s something everyone hopes will never happen in their city, let alone in their neighborhood. After the unthinkable happened, a candlelight vigil brought people together from all over our city, uniting as one despite differences in race, religion, and political beliefs. I wish anyone who was personally affected by this tragedy comfort in the days ahead.
With this week’s horrific incident and a feature story on an unsettling topic, I owe y’all 🍭 lollipops and 🦄 unicorns next week to lighten it up—I’ll see if I can deliver something fun.
Let’s dig into this week’s news.
~Tanja
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San Diego housing is expensive. Owning a home is out of reach for many, especially seniors, which is why they are San Diego’s fastest-growing homeless population. When seniors learned about the affordable apartments at the Paul Downey Senior Residence on the Mt. Etna campus in Clairemont, they thought they’d hit the jackpot.
In a matter of months, their excitement turned to anger after they said they experienced rent increases they couldn’t afford, along with safety, parking, and maintenance issues. They’ve voiced their concerns, but say they aren’t being heard. This city- and county-funded project is being touted as a success story, but has left its residents—and nearby neighbors—upset over false promises.
Clairemont’s Mt. Etna Project: The Affordable Housing Misnomer
🪽They Died Heroes
The three victims of Monday’s shooting at the San Diego Islamic Center in Clairemont were hailed as heroes for stepping in to prevent two teenagers with guns from accessing the 140 children in nearby classrooms. There has been a donation fund to help the families of Amin Abdullah, Nader Awad, and Mansour Kaziha.
Comings & Goings
🍫 Sweet Petite Confections, an artisan chocolate maker located at 3582 Mt. Acadia, is closing its doors, citing rising costs and four years of construction that created visibility and access challenges to its store. The store will close on June 30.
🔥 Dumpster Fire Bandit
A series of dumpster fires broke out early Sunday morning at various locations in Birdland and Kearny Mesa, including near Kearny High School and Mesa College. Police arrested a man for arson later that morning.
🩰 Tu-Tu Talented Dancers in Kearny Mesa
Kearny Mesa is an unlikely place you’d think of when it comes to producing global talent on the ballet scene. But San Diego Ballet Academy on Ruffner Road is doing just that. Its young dancers are being trained and then recruited by the likes of the Paris Opera Ballet School and the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet.
🏡 Beyond the Neighborhood
After significant pushback from the community and a lawsuit underway, the City of San Diego settled its trash fees case on Wednesday. In addition to rolling back the trash fees, the city also agreed to repeal the contentious Balboa Park parking fees. The trash fees will drop from $55 per month to approximately $38 per month for large bins, beginning July 1, 2027. Parking fees will be repealed starting January 1, 2027.
This 4 BR, 2BA, 1,526 sq ft Linda Vista home, located at 3945 Biddle Street, is the epitome of California living. Bright and airy, with large sliders that open to a spacious backyard, it’s perfect for hosting backyard barbecues or family dinners. Upgraded amenities are throughout the home, including Tesla solar.
- Your neighborhood one-stop for all things beauty — hair, brows, lashes, facials, massage, and more. It’s a women-run collective on Clairemont Drive where you get real one-on-one attention. Appointment only, the way it should be. Grab the Explorer Exclusive deal: 20% off any service from Unique Impressions Collective, a full-service boutique salon in Clairemont.
- Need someone to walk your dog or check in on your cat? Going out of town and need an in-home pet sitter? The Daily Wag is here to help! Grey Valdes is a Bay Ho resident with a passion for pets, and she has been actively involved with dog rescues for more than a decade (which is why she is a 2x foster fail pet parent). If you’re looking for a trustworthy person to care for your pet, The Daily Wag is offering $10 off any service.
- A yoga studio and wine bar on Balboa—take a class, stay for a glass. Patrick and Victoria are Clairemont neighbors who built Vinya from scratch, and it’s genuinely one of the coolest things in the neighborhood. Grab the Explorer Exclusive deal here: 10% off a meal and/or a free yoga class at Vinya: vino+vinyasa
- Renate is a Clairemont neighbor who bakes authentic German breads and pastries from scratch. You order ahead online and pick up from her home on Fridays. Everything sells out fast! Get the Explorer Exclusive deal while it lasts: 15% off your first order of baked goods from Little Backstube microbakery
Meet Da Da
This handsome fella is 10.5 years old and at the point in his life where he just likes to chill. Take him on an easy stroll, give him a treat or two, and he will be happy as a clam. If you’re looking for a loving pup without any fuss, you just found him. Visit Da Da at the San Diego Humane Society.
Here’s what’s happening in the neighborhood this week! For the full events calendar and for any recurring events, like trivia nights, hit the button below.
Thursday, May 21
🎭 Theater | Strings of Spring: Orchestra Concert | Creative Performing Media Arts | 6 pm
🤣 Comedy | JACK JR | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm
🏘️ Community | Serra Mesa Planning Group Meeting | Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library | 7 pm
Friday, May 22
🎸 Live Music | Chunky Hustle Brass Band | The Gärten | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | 3rd Project | Tio Leo’s Mexican Restaurant | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | The Surf Birdz | Fast Times | 7 pm
🤣 Comedy | PLAY STUPID GAMES – WIN STUPID PRIZES | Mic Drop Comedy | 7:30 pm
🙏 Spiritual | Young Adult Worship Night | Studio K | 8 pm
🤣 Comedy | ZACH NOE TOWERS | Mic Drop Comedy | 7:30 pm & 10 pm
🤣 Comedy | W. KAMAU BELL | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm
Saturday, May 23
🎸 Live Music | Live Music: Dave Good Organ Trio | Vinya: vino + vinyasa | 6 pm
🎸 Live Music | Kenny & Claire Spring 2026 Concert | Grace Reformed Church | 6:30 pm
🎸 Live Music | Junebug | The Gärten | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | 3 Car Garage | Fast Times | 7 pm
🤣 Comedy | MIKE MASILOTTI | Mic Drop Comedy | 7:30 pm
🎸 Live Music | Joshua White plays George & Ira Gershwin | Dizzy’s | 8 pm
Sunday, May 24
📅 Event | COMMENCEMENT BRUNCHSunday | La Gran Terraza | 10:30 am
📚 Classes | TomoCharms x Crafts Mingle | Feng Cha Teahouse | 12 pm
🎸 Live Music | Euphoria Brass Band | The Gärten | 5:30 pm
🎸 Live Music | Live Music Sundays w/ The B Line | The Cordova Bar | 6 pm
Tuesday, May 26
🤣 Comedy | COMEDY HYPNOTIST GARY CONRAD | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | Soul Persuaders | Tio Leo’s Mexican Restaurant
Wednesday, May 27
🏘️ Community | Give & Take Kids Clothing Exchange | Western Hills Neighborhood Park | 12 pm
✨ Experience | Smart Speed Dating in Bay Park | Harland Brewing Co. – Bay Park | 7 pm
✨ Experience | Sound Bath + Breathwork | The Meditation Nook | 7 pm
🤣 Comedy | ASAP FUNDRAISER SHOWCASE | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm
Fast Times is 100% free and independently owned and operated (heck, it’s just me). Your contributions help keep it going so we can have more fun and continue to build a stronger community. I appreciate any and all support.
